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Travel

A Trip to Newport Beach And Balboa Island In California

One of my best friends came into town over the weekend for a surprise visit. We decided to go on a girls trip down to Newport Beach and Orange County. She literally called me on Thursday night and was like, “What are your plans for the weekend?” and I told her nothing. So she booked a ticket and next thing I know she was here in L.A. She is definitely the biggest jet-setter out of my friends, so I guess it was to be expected from her. And lucky for me, I was really needing some quality friend time.

She’s visited me every year since I first moved to L.A. four years ago. So this trip I wanted to take her to places she’d never been before. Obviously the first thing that popped into my head when I thought of something very “L.A.” to do would be go to Orange County. I mean come on, we’ve all seen Laguna Beach or the OC. 

It’s funny to me, since I live in L.A. I don’t really go to Orange County or even the beach that often. I think it’s because I live so close by and I’ve lived here for long enough that I just don’t really feel the need to. Like if you live in New York, you probably don’t go to Times Square or the Empire State building very often. You live there, you could do it anytime, and it can get super touristy.

But then I thought, I live here so why not make the most of it? Even though it was cloudy, we definitely were not going to let that get to us. We’re both “look at the glass half full” type of people. We headed straight for the Pacific Coast Highway which takes you along the coast of California. It has the most beautiful view of the beach and the ocean so it’s by far the best choice.

pier in southern california

Our first stop on our mini road trip was Balboa Island in Newport Beach.

It’s this cute little island right off the coast that’s so quaint and beachy. It really is it’s own little small town with a main street that has quirky boutiques, a bunch of locally owned restaurants, and of course the infamous frozen bananas and balboa bars sold at these tiny dessert parlors. 

Past the main street, we just kept walking until we got to a small sidewalk that circles the island. We didn’t make it around the whole island even though I’m sure you could. We just took a nice relaxing stroll to see all the cute houses with their big ocean-view windows and sailboats. 

beach vibes

Even though I’d been here before, I was so happy to be back. I think experiencing something again with a new person can be refreshing, especially since I was with my close friend who I absolutely adore for her positive spirit and unconditional support. Sure, where you are can matter but even more importantly it’s who you’re with that makes all the difference.

I really am starting to appreciate the small things.

I loved going on this day trip to the beach, taking a hike, and visiting the farmer’s market. It doesn’t take much to make me happy and I think that’s a good thing. I feel so lucky to have the friends I do and a family that backs me 100 percent in everything I do. Having my friend in town really put this into perspective for me. Now that I’ve escaped the city, even just for the day, I feel relaxed, recharged, and so much more at ease. A day trip with my friend was just what I needed!

photos from // lovely indeed / elizabeth anne designs / collage vintage / domino / lisa hufford photo / no man before

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